Monday, January 30, 2012

Treat Ingrown Toenail At Home

By Elizabeth Durham


Many people have the unfortunate and painful experience of having an ingrown toenail. Unless they having special medical conditions like diabetes, an ingrown toenail can be, in most cases, treated at home.

It is crucial to keep the ingrown toenail clean at all times. This means washing and drying it extensively to avoid heat and moisture from accumulating. This could create an infection. Proper hygiene is thus one of the most important factors that will keep bacteria away and limit the possibilities of infection.

One way that one can treat ingrown toenail at home is by soaking the ingrown toenail. Soaking the toenail in a solution of warm water, and Epsom salt helps relieve the soreness. One can also add a medicated solution suggested by their doctor to the water. The ingrown toenail can be soaked as needed.

Another way to treat ingrown toenail at home is by using putting antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin on and around the affected toenail. This can help prevent infection from developing, which is a common occurrence with ingrown toenails. Hydrogen peroxide or iodine can be applied to the toe as well to help fight infection.

It is important not to wear very tight shoes. This could aggravate their ingrown toenail by preventing or slowing the healing process. More comfortable shoes will allow the foot to breathe and prevent complications. When possible, wearing open toe shoes can also speed up the recovery since it will give the affected toe even more air.

Pain relievers, like Tylenol, can also be important in the treatment of an ingrown toenail. It will help relieve pain and provide more comfort.

Last but not least. Do not treat ingrown toenail with nail care tools from home. One can increase the chance of risk of infection by doing so. An ingrown toenail is more susceptible to becoming infected if it is clipped wrong. Also the instruments are not sterilized properly, and many germs can lurk in one's bathroom. Introducing the bacteria directly to the toe already afflicted by being ingrown can cause havoc. For proper clipping, filing, and removal of an ingrown toenail, it is best to visit a doctor.

In the end, one has to constantly monitor the progress of a home treatment for an ingrown toenail. If the healing process does not progress or if any infections appear, one should visit a doctor to treat the ingrown toenail properly.




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